Reading this week: Sin and Salvation, Romans 1:18-3:31
Monday: Romans 1:16-32, The wrath of God against “them”
Yes, we are starting back with last week’s text, but this is a great reminder that we are talking about the gospel which saves! What evidence do you see in the world that bolsters Paul’s analysis of our wickedness? How does God’s “giving over” to sin reflect his righteousness? How have you experienced this aspect if God’s righteousness?
Tuesday: Romans 2:1-16, Now God’s wrath is against me!
When have you most recently encountered the temptation to “pass judgment on someone else?” How did the gospel touch your life at that moment?
Wednesday: Romans 2:17-29, True Jews and authentic believers
How does Paul’s warning against bragging about the law relate to my walk with Jesus? To what passages do you turn to learn how the heart (inward, not outward!) gets “circumcised”? How have you experienced God’s praise?
Thursday: Romans 3:1-20, God’s faithfulness and my sin
How will you answer Paul’s searching questions: “What advantage, then, is there in going to church?” and “Is God unjust in bringing his wrath against us?” Are you truly convinced that the chain of Old Testament references to sin still apply? What would you add to the Romans 3:20 summary of the role of the law in our lives?
Friday: Romans 3:21-31, Finally we get to God’s righteousness!
How do the “all” in 3:22 differ from the “all” in 3:23? When did you most fully understand the “free” (read 3:23-24 again!) nature of the gospel? What past and present aspects of our salvation does Paul have in mind here? How have you experienced these past and present realities of the gospel?
Saturday: Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 11-12, A case study in sin and repentance
This long passage is one of the best studies of the consequences and restoration of sin. With what part of David’s story (and God’s response!) do you identify? How has David’s restoration story been reflected in your life? What Nathan has God brought into your life to speak truth and remind you that you are always “loved by the Lord” (see the name Nathan gave Solomon in 2 Samuel 12:25)?